How to Reinvent Your Career Without Losing Credibility was originally published on Ivy Exec.
You may reach a point where your career path no longer feels right. Your work may become less exciting, and your values or personal goals could change.
Reinventing your career can bring new opportunities and fresh energy. However, you may worry that the change will damage the reputation and credibility you’ve worked hard to build.
Luckily, you don’t have to sacrifice your credibility when you pivot. Here are some steps to help you reinvent strategically.
💡 Identify Your Transferable Skills
Reinvention doesn’t mean starting over from zero, since every job you’ve had so far has helped you become more valuable. You may possess transferable skills you can bring into any new role or industry. These are:
- Leadership
- Problem-solving
- Project management
- Communication skills
- Strategic thinking
List the abilities you’ve developed in your current and past roles. Then, map those skills to the field you want to enter.
For example, if you’re a teacher moving into corporate training, you can highlight your curriculum design and public speaking expertise. If you’re a financial analyst moving into business development, showcase data interpretation skills.
When you present your skills as tools that carry over, other professionals will see continuity instead of disruption. The perception will help you protect your credibility.
💡 Have a Compelling Reason for Reinventing Your Career
People will be curious about why you’re making a change. If you can’t answer confidently, they may assume the worst. For instance, they may think you felt burned out or were unsuccessful. They may also believe you don’t know what you want in a career.
You need a strong, clear reason for your reinvention to maintain credibility. Think about what’s driving your decision. Is it a shift in your values or a new passion you want to pursue? Is your move a practical response to industry changes? Once you know your reason, put it into words that sound intentional.
For example, you can say that you’re moving from a senior managerial role to a coaching one because you love helping others grow. You could also say that you’re focusing on learning and leading because your industry is evolving.
Owning your reasons will show that you thought about your decision. You’ll protect your reputation if you can reassure people that you aren’t impulsive.
💡 Build a Narrative That Connects Your Past to Your Future
If you want people to respect your reinvention, show them how your past connects to your future. Instead of presenting your move as a complete break, highlight things that tie everything together.
When shifting to another industry, point out common challenges you’ve solved in both areas. On the other hand, if you’re changing roles, emphasize the qualities that make you successful in both.
For example, you can let people know that you learned risk management in finance and now use it as an entrepreneur. When your story shows clear intention, your credibility will grow. Others will see you as someone who evolves instead of abandoning their path.
💡 Invest in Learning
Even if you have transferable skills, you may need to learn new ones for a successful career transition. Investing your time and effort to grow shows you’re committed to your journey.
It also makes potential employers and recruiters more likely to try your expertise. They’ll be less skeptical about hiring you if they notice you’re curious and willing to learn.
There are many ways to build new knowledge and gain the skills you need to succeed in a new career. You can take an online course or certification program on platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
Alternatively, enroll in industry-specific training programs to pick up skills quickly. Other options to consider are:
- Reading industry publications
- Following thought leaders on social media
- Finding a mentor in your new field
While you may want to quickly become an expert in your field, don’t rush to master everything. Reinvention is a process, so your credibility will grow as others see you learning step by step.
💡 Maintain Your Professionalism
Professionalism should remain a constant part of your career, even when reinventing yourself. Think about the qualities that have consistently earned you respect in past roles and maintain them.
If your peers know you for running organized meetings, keep that skill alive in your new role. Further, if others know you for being dependable under pressure, be steady.
When you bring such habits into your new career path, other professionals will notice. They’ll see that your standards have not changed, even if you have a new job title.
Delivering on your promises is a great way to show that you’re professional. If you had an agreement with a peer before changing your career, find a way to honor it to earn their respect. You should also communicate with clarity to show you’re confident and competent.
💡 Leverage Your Existing Network
Your network is one of the strongest tools for a successful reinvention. Former colleagues, mentors, and friends can vouch for your skills. They may also introduce you to new opportunities and support your growth.
Reach out to the people in your network and let them know about your new direction. Share your goals and ambitions so they understand how to support you.
You can request professional introductions to employers in your new field. Alternatively, seek opportunities to boost your visibility, like speaking at a conference.
Keep in touch with your contacts by sharing updates on your career transition. Celebrate with them if you hit a milestone and give them credit when they deserve it. You should also find ways to help them succeed in their career, too.
Building a mutually beneficial relationship will ensure your network supports your career change.
Protect Your Credibility When Making Career Moves
Credibility comes from being consistent and proving you’re making an effort. Don’t let people lose their trust in you as you move to a new field or industry. Have a compelling reason for the decision and build a narrative that shows them you were preparing for the change.
Lean on your transferable skills to highlight what you already bring to the table. Then address your weaknesses by gaining new skills and finding a mentor. These steps will enhance your credibility and prove you’re invested in your career journey.
